By Khawaja Hamza
ISLAMABAD; Authorities in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have imposed sweeping security measures, including the suspension of public, private, and goods transport, as preparations intensify for a potential second round of talks between the United States and Iran.
District administrations in both cities announced the immediate halt of transport services “until further notice,” urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. The move comes amid strong indications that Islamabad may host high-level diplomatic engagements in the coming days.
Sources confirmed that an advance team from the United States has already arrived in the federal capital, with additional foreign delegations expected shortly. In response, authorities have sealed the Red Zone and surrounding areas, restricting all forms of traffic and advising commuters to use alternate routes.
Security across Rawalpindi has been placed on high alert under the supervision of City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani. More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed, alongside over 600 checkpoints established at key entry and exit points. Elite commandos, snipers, and rapid response units are conducting continuous patrols and surveillance operations.
Officials say intelligence-based search and combing operations have been intensified, while monitoring systems including Safe City cameras are being used for round-the-clock vigilance.
Security has also been reinforced at sensitive installations and key public and private locations.
The heightened measures follow reports of renewed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran. The previous round of talks, held earlier this month in Islamabad, marked a rare direct engagement between the two sides and was facilitated by Pakistan after brokering a temporary ceasefire.
Although no official schedule has been announced for the next round, both sides have indicated that discussions are ongoing, with several key issues.
Authorities have urged residents to remain patient and stay updated as further developments are expected in the coming days.
